Over the past several weeks, I have discussed the topic of mindfulness in leadership from a number of different angles. Yes, there are tons of articles, blog posts, podcasts, TED Talks and videos out there that discuss the benefits of mindfulness for leaders, but I don’t think most of them approach the subject in a way that gives it the gravity it deserves. That is why I wanted to spend so much time and energy on the topic.
Most of the articles on mindfulness from a business perspective seem to address it as if it is the “next big thing” or just the latest “brain hack.” To me, discussing mindfulness in frivolous terms like this diminishes its power, purpose and usefulness. Mindfulness can definitely help leaders do their jobs more effectively, but it is so much more than that!
Imagine if there were numerous articles and blog posts about cars, but they only talked about how your vehicle could improve your commute to and from work — that’s basically how mindfulness is written about these days!
A lot of people will write and talk about how mindfulness can enhance operations in the C-suite, but they completely ignore how it can transform a person’s entire existence in profoundly positive ways. Mindfulness is a holistic practice that should be woven into all aspects of life. The leadership enhancements are a side effect — a major and powerful side effect, to be sure — but still just a side effect.
Recently, I have written about mindfulness in terms of how it can enhance leadership, but I have also discussed the mistakes people make that prevent them from engaging fully and effectively with a mindfulness practice. Additionally, I have spent time covering some of the notable leaders who practice mindfulness, plus I have taken time to write about the topic from the perspective of how it can enhance a leader’s entire life — inside and outside the office.
And you know what? This probably is not the last time I will bring up mindfulness in the blog or elsewhere! It is so much more than just a “nice to have” for leaders; it is essential. And it is incredibly important to my life and my journey.
My Mindfulness Journey
Mindfulness is one of the absolute cornerstones of effective leadership in today’s world, and it is something I have devoted much of my life to practicing. While I would hesitate to call myself a mindfulness expert, I can speak confidently about how the practice has impacted my life, as well as the lives of leaders I have coached. It was not always easy, though. I had to begin my mindfulness journey as a complete beginner. Sound familiar?
Eventually, I had a bit of a breakthrough during which I experienced a new sense of clarity around who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do with my life. During this time, my mindfulness practice really clicked into place and became a source of internal inspiration for improvements in my personal and professional lives. Truly, the most transformative, transcendent and amazingly positive changes I’ve experienced in my life and career over the last several years have been due to my consistent mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness has transformed my life and brought me to a place where I am operating more authentically than ever before. I have also seen the ways mindfulness can turn competent, effective leaders into real rock stars within their respective organizations and industries. I know it can improve the way you live and lead, too, and I want to help you make it happen!
Are You Ready to Become More Mindful?
I have no doubt that practicing mindfulness will enhance your ability to lead effectively. But, more importantly, mindfulness will not just impact your professional life positively; it will bring you to new levels of awareness, presence and ability in all aspects of life. It is simple but profoundly powerful. It also may be easy to learn, but it is deceptively difficult to master.
If you understand the benefits of mindfulness for leadership, but you have been unable to develop a practice that serves you, you may simply need some help to find the ways in which mindfulness can be integrated into your routine. Or you might require a helping hand when it comes to connecting your practice to your values. Regardless, Leaders Edge is here to help you find your way to a better life of leadership through mindfulness.
Ready to learn more? I invite you to schedule your own personal 45-minute discovery call with me. Simply visit this link and choose the date and time that work best for your schedule.
I am excited to help you take the next steps on your journey of mindful, grounded leadership!